Los Angeles Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

When you think about car crashes in California, accidents with a garbage truck may not be the first thing that comes to mind; however, garbage truck accidents happen, and it’s important to know what steps you can take to protect yourself and recover damages if you’re involved in one. The good news is this process can be made easier by working with a Los Angeles garbage truck accident lawyer.

Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, has experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases involving garbage trucks. Working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, CA ensures your case is approached with the skill and local insight necessary to pursue the justice and recovery you’re entitled to.  We understand how to navigate California law within Los Angeles courts and can help you build a case to seek the compensation you deserve after an accident.

Common Types of Garbage Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Due to their large size, big blind spots, and the nature of the vehicles, garbage trucks can pose a risk to those around them, including other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In 2020, California reported 398 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks, but even accidents that don’t result in death can leave a lasting impact.

Some of the most common types of truck accidents in California include:

• Back-up or rollover crashes
• Improperly secured loads
• Motorcyclist collisions
• Parked car accidents
• Pedestrian or cyclist collisions

In 2021, 5,904 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes across the country. The majority of fatal and nonfatal crashes occurred on weekdays, including 4,297 collisions and 165 rollovers.

How To File a Claim After a Garbage Truck Accident in Los Angeles

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a garbage truck, you may be able to file a claim with the waste management company’s insurance. In most cases, you have up to two years from the incident to file a claim. However, claims involving government vehicles must be filed within six months.

In Los Angeles, garbage trucks can be government vehicles hired directly by the city or privately owned vehicles contracted by the city. To ensure you’re filing within the correct time limit and understand who exactly you are filing against, it’s wise to consult a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer.

A skilled legal professional can help you navigate the process for filing a government claim against a city-owned truck or a claim against a privately owned truck.

If a truck is owned by the City of Los Angeles and operated by the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation, you can file a claim against the city. You must submit this claim to the Office of the Los Angeles City Clerk with as much information as possible. Shortly after, you will receive your claim number, and your claim will be transferred to the City Attorney’s Office for investigation.

You can check the status of your claim by visiting the City Attorney’s Claims Division or emailing the office directly. You can also stay informed through your Los Angeles garbage truck accident attorney, who can be involved in every step of the process.

If the truck is from a private waste management company, you can file a claim against the company or the company’s insurance provider. To do this, you must provide solid evidence to prove there is a case to investigate.

The insurance company may choose to investigate or deny the claim. If they investigate and accept the claim, you can expect to receive an offer for a settlement. At this point, you can decide if you want to take the settlement amount or negotiate.

If the negotiations don’t go well, you can pursue legal action in court. It’s important to follow up on your case with your Los Angeles garbage truck accident lawyer.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Garbage Truck Accident Law

What Happens if You Get Hit by a Garbage Truck in Los Angeles?

If you are hit by a garbage truck in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away and ensure you’re out of immediate danger. Your next step is to report the accident to the police and gather as much information about the truck as possible. This includes figuring out if it is owned by the city or a private company. From there, you can determine how you want to recover damages.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Los Angeles?

The overall cost of your settlement can depend on a variety of factors, including the overall cooperation of the city or a company’s insurance provider, the complexity of the case, and the severity of your injuries. Working with a Los Angeles garbage truck lawyer can help you secure a larger settlement amount, whether you settle outside of court or not.

How Much Do Garbage Truck Accident Attorneys Charge in Los Angeles?

It can be hard to say how much garbage truck accident lawyers charge in Los Angeles because many factors can impact their prices. For starters, the nature of your case and the attorney’s experience levels can have a big impact on overall pricing. Additionally, different attorneys may charge in different ways. Many charge a contingency fee where they take a percentage of your settlement. Others may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer fee.

Are There Specific Laws Regarding Garbage Trucks in California?

Yes, certain California laws, including California Vehicle Code Section 27000, require garbage trucks to follow specific rules since certain provisions of the law for standard vehicles do not apply to them. Moreover, other laws set requirements for passing by stopped garbage trucks to keep everyone on the road as safe as possible.

Connect With a Los Angeles Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer To Build Your Case Today

In the wake of a garbage truck accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Once you’ve sought medical attention and are out of immediate danger, it’s wise to meet with a Los Angeles garbage truck accident lawyer who can guide you through your case with ease.

At Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, we’re committed to fighting for justice on behalf of each and every one of our clients. Reach out to set up an appointment with our skilled attorneys to discuss your case more in-depth.